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Seeking the Kingdom of God

Seeking the Kingdom of God

When Jesus’ followers expressed concern about their daily needs, He told them to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

What encouraging words! It is a promise that has brought comfort to millions.

Yet, have you ever considered what the kingdom of God is and how we are to seek it?

Does seeking God’s kingdom mean we are to search for the right denomination to join?

Does it mean we are to seek the right list of religious ceremonies, rituals, and sacraments to perform?

Does it mean we are to seek to identify the right legal method, words, and requirements to get our sins paid, erased, or accounted for?

Jesus said,

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to (Matthew 23:13 NIV84).

These religious leaders were teaching out of the Torah, the Scripture, the God-given religious code, ceremonies, and instructions found in the Bible, yet Jesus told them that their teaching from the Bible was shutting people out from the kingdom of heaven. Thus, seeking the kingdom of God entails more than religious teaching—even from the Bible.

Jesus makes it clear that His kingdom is not found in careful rule-keeping. He said,

The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:20, 21 NIV84).

God’s kingdom operates within the heart and mind! The kingdom of God does something within us—it changes us; it makes a fundamental reorientation of what our hearts long for, what our inmost selves desire, and what we hunger to experience. Thus, to seek God’s kingdom means we desire, pursue, and strive toward experiencing this heart change and then growing in character to be more like Jesus.

Our careful religious rule-keeping does not bring the kingdom of God—that doesn’t necessarily mean every religious activity is wrong or bad, but only that such actions do not bring God’s kingdom. Rather than bringing, initiating, or sourcing the kingdom of God, any action, ceremony, or ritual that is genuinely godly is simply the outworking of God’s kingdom that is operating within the heart. Just as the apostle Paul said,

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17 NIV84).

And the Holy Spirit operates within our hearts and minds to enlighten, convict, inspire, renew, transform, empower, and heal.

While God is Creator, while all physical reality is the Lord’s, while God is the God of our real physical universe, while there will be a new earth that is a real physical place where we have real physical bodies—while all of this physical stuff is real—none of it is what the Bible means when it speaks of the kingdom of God. His kingdom is within us; its core foundational roots, principles, and building blocks are not physical—they are spiritual. God’s kingdom is not primarily about power, might, or physical material; rather, God’s kingdom is about the life-giving operational principles that creation is built upon. God’s kingdom is functional; it is the outworking of the values, methods, protocols, attitudes, motivations, ideas, and truths that originate in God and direct the inner working of our beings, and, when reproduced in us by the Spirit, restore us to harmony with God.

The operational landscape of God’s kingdom, then, is the living landscape of our hearts and minds. It is where love functions, where truth operates, and where life flourishes. It is also where Satan attacks and has planted his foul seeds of sin. In other words, the battle between God’s kingdom and Satan’s happens within hearts and minds, and both sin and righteousness only exist in hearts and minds.

Sin does not happen in books or registries in heaven; and recovery from sin, our healing and salvation, also does not happen in books or registries in heaven. Both sin and salvation occur in the hearts and minds of people.

Sin is not made from molecules, physical matter, or material substances. Sin is founded in lies, which break the circle of love and trust, resulting in fear and selfishness, which results in rebellious and disorderly living; i.e., actions that deviate or break God’s design laws for life and health and without remedy result in ruin and death.

Righteousness is found in the truth that originates in God, the truth about God, and it is this truth that destroys Satan’s lies and restores us to trust. In trust we experience God’s love filling our hearts (Romans 5:5), which purges our fear (1 John 4:18), eradicating selfishness (1 John 4:7-12) and transforming our inmost being to become like Jesus (Galatians 2:20). The kingdom of God—the character, methods, principles of God—is within us!

If we want to seek the kingdom of God, then we must seek to know God (John 17:3), for to know Him is to love and trust Him. And once we have come to know God and have surrendered to Him, we experience His love and, in response, we live to love and honor Him (1 John 4:19). Then in that love/trust relationship, if we want to journey deeper into God’s kingdom, we seek daily to advance our minds into a deeper understanding of truth—eternal, operational, functional, reality-based biblical truth. We seek to grow up and become mature Christians who apply heaven’s truths to how we live our lives each day. By practicing God’s methods, we develop mature thinking and real experience in the working knowledge of God’s kingdom and are able to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

If we want to journey deeper into the kingdom of God, then in addition to pursuing the truth, we seek to practice the principles of God in how we treat others. We apply God’s methods and principles to our actions. We love others and seek what is in their best interest. And we always leave others free, just as Jesus instructed:

As you go, preach this message: “The kingdom of heaven is near.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:7, 8 NIV84).

The kingdom of heaven is advanced through truth and love, through giving, and through the application of God’s principles in how we govern ourselves in dealing with others. Thus, the righteous live lives of loving service in their communities. And in so doing, God’s kingdom advances in both the community and in the heart of His followers.  

We become more like Jesus, meek and other-centered. And “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4 NIV84).

Those who seek the kingdom of God experience a change in the inner person; their fear and selfishness are replaced with love and trust. They no longer seek to advance themselves, are not arrogant, are not prideful, but they humble themselves and place their pride in Jesus (Galatians 6:14). This is what it means to be reborn, and without this experience, we cannot understand, comprehend, experience, or see the kingdom of God. Jesus said,

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3 NIV84).

This “seeing” is not visual; instead, it is seeing with the heart, comprehending with the mind, and appreciating with the deepest longing of the soul. Jesus and John both tell us that those who crucified Jesus will “see” Jesus come in glory seated next to the Father (Luke 22:69; Revelation 1:7). They will visually “see” Jesus on His heavenly throne in command of His heavenly kingdom, but they will misinterpret what they see. Having rejected Jesus and the truth of God’s kingdom of love, having accepted the lie that God’s law works like human law and that justice is using power to inflict punishment for disobedience, they don’t see our loving Savior, whose heart grieves over all His lost children; they “see” an angry, wrathful, punishing being of infinite power coming to destroy them and, rather than rejoicing in His presence, they are terrified and beg for the mountains to fall on them (Revelation 6:15, 16).

Only those who are reborn in heart, mind, and spirit can truly “see” the kingdom of God, for only those reborn by the Spirit have God’s kingdom restored within them.

So as events in this world continue to decay, don’t get distracted by the fears and worries, but remember Jesus’ promise and “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

 

 

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Testimony 76

Warm greetings from Tanzania! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your team at Come And Reason Ministries for the amazing work you do. Your teachings have opened my eyes to deep biblical truths and how to live them out in real life. I started following the ministry back in 2018, and ever since, my walk with God has grown so much stronger. I’ve found freedom from fear-based faith and now live with more peace and trust in Him. I’ve also been sharing what I’ve learned, especially through Bible School discussions. Your lessons are so insightful and well-explained that I try not to miss a single one. May God continue to bless the work you’re doing.
Elisha M., Tanzania, Africa

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 74

Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I’ve been through a lot of ministries that just didn’t show the love of God that I felt he was. You have helped me to begin the process of true healing. I thought I was “too far gone,” now I know there’s hope in Jesus, because he loves us beyond what we can comprehend. Thank you again for all you do. I truly appreciate it and pray more people find you (physical at your studio and through this website).

Dalio M.

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada